The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) says it is still planning to implement universal health coverage (UHC), with the framework already approved by the Cabinet two years ago.
According to MoHSS Minister, Kalumbi Shangula, the process is ongoing and involves extensive consultations with the public and various stakeholders.
“Once these consultations conclude, a report will be compiled and reviewed before finalizing the UHC implementation plan. The framework has already been approved by the Cabinet two years ago. We have set up structures, and consultation with the public, the government, and different stakeholders has been ongoing,” the Minister told The Brief.
He further explained that while there is no specific date for the UHC rollout, the current efforts aim to expand on primary health care and create a comprehensive UHC program.
“It’s a process, so we don’t have a definite date of how long the process is going to take, but the most important element we are already implementing is primary health care,” he explained.
The UHC is expected to provide affordable health services to everyone in the country, as Namibia strives to re-envision the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of health service delivery in a way that meets the needs and rights of all, especially key, marginalized, and vulnerable populations.
This comes as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Wednesday, signed into law the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill, which serves as a fund, financed through taxes, through which the government procures healthcare services for all citizens residing in the country, from both public and private healthcare providers.
This means that when an individual falls ill, they can visit their nearest general practitioner or clinic that has a contract with the NHI, without any concern about the cost of care.
Individuals will have the freedom to choose the healthcare facilities they prefer. The primary objective of the NHI is to enhance healthcare accessibility for all citizens. Individuals will have the option to access NHI-contracted general practitioners, clinics, or hospitals nearest to them, regardless of whether they are part of the public or private sector.
